International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Health Policy and Management: In Praise of Political Science; Comment on “On Health Policy and Management (HPAM): Mind the Theory-Policy Practice Gap”

Document Type : Commentary

Author
David J Hunter
Centre for Public Policy and Health, School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Durham University, Durham, UK
10.15171/ijhpm.2015.62
Abstract
Health systems have entered a third era embracing whole systems thinking and posing complex policy and management challenges. Understanding how such systems work and agreeing what needs to be put in place to enable them to undergo effective and sustainable change are more pressing issues than ever for policy-makers. The theory-policy-practice-gap and its four dimensions, as articulated by Chinitz and Rodwin, is acknowledged. It is suggested that insights derived from political science can both enrich our understanding of the gap and suggest what changes are needed to tackle the complex challenges facing health systems.
Keywords
Health Policy
Health Management
Political Science
Leadership
Subjects
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  • Received Date 05 February 2015
  • Revised Date 09 March 2015
  • Accepted Date 09 March 2015
  • First Published Date 01 June 2015
  • Published Date 01 June 2015